7th-Jun-2020

I think that West End Charmer should be closer in the betting to Good Birthday and Davydenko than he is.

Mark Johnston’s horse was progressive as a two-year-old two seasons ago, winning two of his three races, and he continued that progression early last season as a three-year-old.  He disappointed on his second run at Chester in May, but that was on very soft ground from a wide draw at Chester over an extended 12 furlongs, and he proved that run to be all wrong when he bounced back and made all to win impressively at Doncaster next time.

He was happier on the better ground that day, and he was back down to 10 furlongs, today’s trip, which is probably his optimum trip.

The handicapper raised him by 10lb for that win, but that was merited, the race is working out well, runner-up Mandarin won two of his next three and is now rated 14lb higher than he was then.  As well as that, West End Charmer is progressive enough to take that hike in his stride.

We know that Mark Johnston’s horses are flying, and he is nicely drawn in stall four, close to the far rail, with the stalls positioned on the far side today.  Hopefully William Buick can bounce him out smartly and bag the lead and the far rail.

WEST END CHARMER WON (ADV 5/1, SP 7/2)